Astronaut health, aging studies, and cargo operations take center stage on the ISS
The crew of Expedition 70 on the International Space Station (ISS) has been hard at work, conducting a range of scientific research and operational tasks. From studying the effects of microgravity on aging to exploring the potential of space manufacturing, the crew’s activities have far-reaching implications for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. In addition, they have been focused on maintaining their mental well-being and ensuring the smooth operation of cargo transfers. Let’s delve into the details of their groundbreaking work.
Scientific Research and Experimentation:
CIPHER Study Provides Insights into Astronaut Health
NASA and its international partners are conducting the CIPHER suite of 14 human research experiments to collect physiological and psychological data from the crew. These observations will help researchers understand the health issues astronauts may face during long-duration missions. Astronaut Loral O’Hara played a pivotal role in the study, processing blood and urine samples and participating in cognition tests. The results will aid in preparing astronauts for long-term radiation exposure, isolation, extreme distances, and closed environments.
Aging Research Unveils Microgravity’s Effects on Brain Cells
Aging is a key research focus on the ISS, with scientists studying the impact of microgravity on brain cell-like samples. NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli worked inside the Kibo laboratory module’s Life Science Glovebox, treating these samples for the Cerebral Aging study. By understanding accelerated aging symptoms, neurodegenerative diseases, and hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation at a molecular level, this research may lead to advanced health treatments both on Earth and in space.
Mental Health and Cargo Operations:
Virtual Reality as a Stress-Relief Tool
Maintaining mental well-being during long space missions is crucial for mission success. To explore the potential of virtual reality (VR) experiences in reducing stress and promoting relaxation, Commander Andreas Mogensen from the European Space Agency (ESA) participated in the VR Mental Care study. Wearing VR goggles and using a controller, Mogensen watched a 360-degree movie to assess its stabilizing effect on the nervous system.
Cargo Operations and Gear Checks
Ensuring the smooth transfer of cargo is essential for the crew’s operations on the ISS. Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) worked inside the SpaceX Dragon Endurance crew spacecraft, checking orbital plumbing gear with assistance from Commander Mogensen. Meanwhile, Jasmin Moghbeli conducted cargo transfers inside the Dragon cargo spacecraft, with Loral O’Hara documenting the process through photography.
Space Manufacturing and Radiation Data:
3D Printing in Microgravity
As space exploration expands, the ability to manufacture tools and supplies on-demand becomes increasingly important. Veteran cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko worked with a 3D printer, printing test samples to understand the process of manufacturing in microgravity. This research aims to reduce dependence on cargo missions from Earth for future long-duration space missions.
Monitoring Cardiac Activity and Radiation Data
Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko also attached sensors to measure his cardiac activity, contributing to a long-running Roscosmos experiment. His fellow crew member, Konstantin Borisov, assisted with the sensor attachments and also downloaded monthly radiation detection data. Additionally, Flight Engineer Nikolai Chub explored how various spaceflight conditions impact fluid systems, including spacecraft vibrations, electric fields, and magnetic fields.
Conclusion:
The Expedition 70 crew on the International Space Station continues to push the boundaries of scientific research and operational capabilities in space. From studying the effects of microgravity on aging to exploring the potential of space manufacturing, their work has far-reaching implications for future space missions. By understanding the physiological and psychological challenges faced by astronauts and developing innovative solutions, scientists and engineers are paving the way for humanity’s exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
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